Maitake mushroom is quite popular and has been prized for more than thousand years in Asia. These mushrooms are widely known for the health benefits they offer. “Maitake” is a Japanese word, which means “dancing mushroom”—that’s the reaction you’ll have when you eat these delicious and nutritious form of fungi! These mushrooms are worth their weight in silver!
In Japan, research has been on to discover the many benefits of Maitake mushroom since 1980. Recently, the USA too started researching on these wonder mushrooms. One interesting fact about these researches is that most of them are conducted on the extracts of the mushroom rather than on the fresh flesh.
There are a number of benefits of consuming these mushrooms. These mushrooms are available in various forms—all of which are equally healthy. Some of the main benefits of maitake mushrooms are listed below:
Consumption of these mushrooms can regulate blood sugar and the blood lipid levels in the body.
High BP is a common malady today—common, yet dangerous. Maitake helps in lowering the blood pressure level in the body, protecting the individual from various cardio vascular diseases.
These mushrooms have anticarcinogenic properties and are enriched in polysaccharide-protein and polysaccharides complexes, which are usually used by the human body to strengthen the immune system. These mushrooms help in activating the blood cells to fight cancer causing microorganisms.
According to studies, it has been found that the consumption of maitake mushrooms helps in reducing cholesterol level in the human body.
Maitake mushrooms can help in the reduction of weight. When it is consumed along with regular exercise, it helps to lose weight.
Consuming Maitake mushrooms is a relatively safe way to maintain a healthy body. But according to studies, the mushrooms can, in some rare cases, lead to some side effects:
Avoid Before/After/During Surgery:
These mushrooms may affect the blood sugar level in the body. So, avoid eating these mushrooms soon after a surgery. In fact, not only should one avoid eating maitake mushrooms after and during a surgery, but stay off it for 2 weeks before the surgery.
Breast Feeding and Pregnancy:
Not much is known regarding the safety of the consumption of the maitake mushrooms. So, just to be safe, avoid eating these mushrooms while you are pregnant. Nursing mothers should also avoid eating these mushrooms.
When it comes to the dosage of maitake mushroom, it is quite difficult to calculate the accurate quantity. The dose depends on a number of factors like health, age of the user and other important health factors. Just follow the dosage printed on the label. Keep in mind that although, this is a natural product, it should still be consumed in a limited quantity. Overdose can lead to various negative effects. From the aspect of disease preparation, 12-25 mg of maitake mushroom extract can be used. For HIV-patients, only 20 mgs of pure extract in combination with 4 grams of whole powder is effective for getting effective results. Six grams of whole powder per day can also be taken without the fear of getting negative results.
This mushroom contains a lot of nutritional value, including fiber. There is no saturated fat and cholesterol in this mushroom. It is also enriched with iron and protein.
Lots of recipes can be prepared using this mushroom. These mushrooms can be roasted in butter and honey as well as used in different types of Thai mushroom salads. They can also be paired with Tofu steaks and are perfect for preparing mushroom gravy and stew. To know the maitake mushroom recipes, just Google!
Although, these mushrooms are good for curing various health disorders, it is still smart to consult your doctor before consuming it regularly—better safe than sorry!
Do you like mushrooms? Do you have a favorite mushroom recipe? How about a recipe using maitake mushrooms? Do share with us in the comments section below.